About
In partnership with Harbourfront Centre, The Power Plant presents KUUMBA 365, a celebration of Black culture through sound. Musicians Dennis Passley, Larnell Lewis and Dwight Jones respond to this season’s exhibitions by Jeneen Frei Njootli and Christina Leslie with original compositions. Their collective works culminate in an extraordinary performance, connecting music and contemporary art.
On February 6, the three soloists will perform together in The Fleck at Harbourfront Centre Theatre, offering a unique live experience that connects music and contemporary art. Additionally, the musicians will each lead masterclasses later in the month, providing participants with the opportunity to engage directly with their practice.
About Dennis Passley
Dennis Passley is a Toronto-based professional creative, composer, saxophonist and bandleader who has sustained an international touring career for over 25 years. A dynamic performer and section leader, he currently leads Northern Soul Horns with their upcoming release Big Band Theory, while also composing new material for his project Astral RIDDIMS. Beyond the stage, he founded the Toronto People’s Library, reflecting his commitment to accessibility and amplifying underrepresented voices.
About Dwight Jones
Dwight Jones is an award-nominated, Barbadian-born, Toronto-based musical creative and multi-instrumentalist improviser. With a deep love for sonic exploration, he crafts immersive soundscapes that reflect both his Caribbean roots,modern influences and curiosity. His performances have been featured at a range of celebrated artistic festivals, including Fall for Dance North, Danse Danse and Dream in High Park, where his improvisational style and expressive musicianship continue to captivate audiences.
When he’s not at home serenading his unsuspecting neighbours with waves of experimental sound, Jones can be found performing across Toronto alongside some of your favourite artist and exploring new creative opportunities on the global stage.
About Larnell Lewis
Larnell Lewis is a Grammy Award-winning musician, composer, producer and educator. Based in Toronto, he has established himself among the world’s most diverse and in-demand drummers. Since 2012, Lewis has been playing with the Grammy Award-winning band, Snarky Puppy.
He leads successful ensembles and has toured the globe with highly reputable contemporary musicians, including Quincy Jones, Laila Biali, Jeremy Ledbetter, Etienne Charles, Gregory Porter, Benny Golson, Lalah Hathaway, Jacob Collier, John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Lisa Fisher, Kurt Elling, Gary Burton, and more. His immense talent, fierce creativity, and evolving musical style keep him in demand as a collaborator with artists internationally.
In June 2018, Lewis independently released his debut album, In The Moment. This project explores his deep connection to jazz, fusion and Afro-Caribbean roots. The album features performances from musicians such as fellow Snarky Puppy bandmates Shaun Martin, Mark Lettieri, Juno Award winners Mike Downes, Robi Botos, and many others. His latest release, Relive The Moment is a reimagining of his compositions from In The Moment, with new drum performances recorded at Jukasa Studios.
In addition to his success as a recording artist, performer and director, Lewis is a dedicated Music educator. He is a Professor of Music at Humber College, Canada’s most respected institution for post-secondary music education. Whether performing on the world stage with internationally acclaimed artists or playing local gigs in Toronto, Lewis is consistently a passionate and joyful creator and one of the most skilled musical drummers today.
More Related Events
KUUMBA Presented by
In Partnership with
